New Year's resolution was life changing for teen

Scott High School junior Mackenzie Ford became a vegetarian as a result of a New Year's resolution.

Lots of people make New Year's resolutions every year, sometimes without thinking them through. Many people fail to keep their resolutions for whatever reason, but some do. These resolutions can be small and inconsequential, or they can be life changing. Scott High School junior Mackenzie Ford made a life-changing resolution in 2011.

"My New Year's resolution was to go vegetarian," she said. "So far, I've been vegetarian for one year and five months."

Before making her resolution, Ford did research on anything that she might need to know as a vegetarian, such as the consequences of not eating meat and ways to keep her body healthy without it.

"I've had to make sure that my body was getting the right vitamins. You really have to be aware of your needs," said Ford.

She takes different vitamins daily. Without the meat, her body needs them to balance the nutrients she needs to be healthy.

She does not regret her decision.

"Going vegetarian is one of the best decisions that I've ever made," she said.

Ford does not know whether she is going to make another resolution next year. Currently though, she is thinking of going vegan (eliminating all animal products and by-products, including dairy and eggs).

Going vegetarian was actually her first resolution. When she was thinking of what resolution she wanted to make, she picked vegetarianism for an unexpected reason -- or lack of one.

"I wanted a cool resolution," she explained. "There was no reason at the time. Now, I am definitely pro-life [in support of all living creatures]."

If you want to make a life-changing resolution like Ford did, she has some advice: "If you are really serious about your resolution, then you should stick to it. Make it a resolution that is reasonable, and something that is for your best interests.

"If you like the way things are going, then keep it up," she continued. "If it doesn't please you, you should probably find something different."

Before you make any big resolution, whether for New Year's or otherwise, you need to learn everything you can about it. You should not just jump into something without knowing what you're doing. Research what will be involved.

Resolutions can be great if you go about them the right way. But if you don't, then you might harm yourself. Be careful with your resolution, but have fun with it.